Rokkoyo Tansu

Rokkoyo takes its name from Japan's Six Ancient Kilns, a group of pottery centres active since the medieval period. The name was coined in 1948 by ceramics scholar Fujio Koyama, and the kilns were designated Japan Heritage in 2017. The Tansu, presented as a Kickstarter project, is the successor to the brand's Rokkoyo Kyusu, which the source describes as popular in 2024.

A filter made of clay

The centrepiece is a porous ceramic filter made from Tokoname-ware clay. According to the maker, the clay's natural porosity lets a moderate amount of coffee oil through while holding back fines, producing a clean, smooth cup that brings out the beans' natural sweetness. The clay is described as odourless and tasteless, and as resistant to wear. Because no paper filters are needed, the maker pitches it as a low-waste option; if the pores clog over time, it says hot water or heating the filter near a flame will clear them. The brand recommends light (cinnamon) roasts and medium roasts such as American roast.

Tansu-inspired storage

Drawing on the space-saving logic of the traditional tansu chest, the filter and a dedicated cup fit fully inside the main pot. The lid flips over to become a rest for the used filter, a dual-purpose detail the maker aims at small city kitchens and hotel rooms.

The surface is finished with charakake, a traditional decorative technique. The maker says Tokoname clay is ground into a liquid glaze, applied by artisans and then scraped by hand at varying pressure and angles, so each piece carries its own pattern and a subtle textured relief. It also claims the technique adds durability.

Portability, cleaning and add-ons

• Weight of 428g (15oz), which the maker compares with roughly 600–800g for a typical ceramic teapot
• Rokkoyo carry bag in EVA foam composite with a soft lining
• Cleaning with warm water and no disassembly; the filter has no fine grooves, per the maker
• Rokkoyo Instant Kettle: 304 stainless steel, 800ml, temperature control from 40℃ to 100℃ in 1-degree steps, 6.5mm spout tip, XL display, 1000W heater
• Rokkoyo Disappearing Tray: a porous ceramic tray that absorbs spills, offered as an add-on

The source notes the kettle is included in some sets or available as an add-on, and that it is styled to match the brewer.